Army MP Saves Infant in Medical Emergency

WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii - Quick thinking, decisive action and training by a Schofield Barracks military police Soldier helped save an infant in distress June 28.

Sgt. Wayne Hess, a traffic management collision investigator assigned to the 728th Military Police Battalion, Law Enforcement Activity-North (Schofield Barracks), responded to an emergency call of a child not breathing in on-post housing while conducting traffic operations on Wheeler Army Airfield. A second MP patrol responded concurrently and provided overwatch and scene security.

"When we arrived, the father came to the door holding his infant," Hess recalled. "The child was conscious but struggling to breathe. I could hear gurgling sounds, and the baby's color looked off. The father was panicked, so I directed him to sit down while I began providing back blows and chest rubs to clear the airway."

Hess continued rendering aid while coordinating with dispatch for the estimated arrival time of emergency medical services. Within minutes, the infant began to expel fluid and regained steadier, though still labored, breathing.

"Those five minutes waiting for EMS felt much longer," Hess said. "But training kicked in. Our focus was keeping the child stable until the professionals arrived."

Upon arrival, EMS placed the infant in the back of an ambulance and provided on-scene care. After assessment and treatment, the infant was cleared, and transport was determined not to be necessary. Later assessments indicated the infant had choked while drinking formula.

Hess, who joined the Army at age 28, said the moment underscored why he chose a life of service. Raised in a family of first responders, he said helping others feels second nature.

"I don't really look at it as being a hero," Hess said. "This is our job in the MP Corps. Every call could be someone's worst day, so we have to care about what we do. If anyone else were in my shoes, they would have done the same."

Hess credited his prior experience as a lifeguard and his unit's basic lifesaving training for preparing him to stay calm under pressure. He also praised the professionalism of fellow MPs and on-the-job trainees who helped manage the immediate area around the residence.

Now 31, Hess continues to embrace his role in community law enforcement, saying he values opportunities to interact positively with Soldiers, families and children across the installation.

"My calling is to serve and build trust with the community," Hess said. "Moments like this remind me why I put on the uniform every day."

The incident highlights the vital role MPs and first responders play in safeguarding the U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii community-demonstrating that training, teamwork and vigilance can be lifesaving in unexpected moments.